Because this is a narcotic pain medication, there is also the potential for abuse or even dependence. Please note that I said "potential." Not everyone who needs pain medication automatically becomes a drug addict. I'm not going to go into the different aspects of narcotic and opioid addiction here, because that's another article altogether. I will say that doctors that don't offer pain relief for patients who have no previous history of drug abuse or dependence should be relieved of their medical licenses. (But that's just my opinion.)
Dilaudid, as it's commonly called, is a very effective painkiller. It can be given by tablet, injection or suppository, which makes it very versatile. It is good for moderate to severe pain, so it wouldn't be the first thing your doc might prescribe, but it would be near the top.
Adverse reactions can include: sedation, dizziness, euphoria, hypotension, decreased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, urine retention, or respiratory depression.
Demerol is a frequently used medication for moderate to severe pain. It's commonly used because it's very effective. Because of the risk of drug toxicity with prolonged use, it's more often used for acute pain, but it is still worth mentioning, as many lupies sometimes need extra medication for short-term use in addition to any regular pain medications that they take.
Usually, the stronger the drug, the more dangerous the potential side effects. This is definitely the case with Demerol. They include: lowered heart rate, seizures, shock, cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
Also known as OxyContin, this drug has recently made headlines as being the "flavor of the week" on the street. Apparently, if you grind up the tablets and snort or inject them, you get a high similar to heroin. You also usually end up dead. This sort of negative publicity for a drug often makes doctors afraid to prescribe them to patients who truly need them. This is a shame, and we should actively encourage doctors to treat the patient in front of them, and not play into the media hype.
When properly used for control of chronic pain, this narcotic analgesic is excellent for patients with lupus. It's major asset to chronic pain sufferers is its time-release formula, enabling relief over a period of time. Normal dosage for chronic, severe pain is twice a day, making it convenient for patients.
Possible side effects include: respiratory depression, lowered heart rate, physical or psychological dependence or dizziness. These side effects can be enhanced if OxyContin is mixed with other drugs or with alcohol.
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